Tacos El Jarocho

Reviewed on October 23, 2009

A real shit hole

Our arrival and initial thoughts

A jarocho is a person, item or style of music from Veracruz, Mexico. One explanation of the origin of the term jarocho is that it evolved from an old Spanish word meaning horny. Not sure what would arouse anything here, since this place is outside of a dirty liquor store. This spot was very crowded and had very few seats. I think the reason for the huge crowds here is because it is so far detached from most of the other taco stands. This is located all the way across town, a good five miles from 8th Street's taco haven.

When we arrived and placed our order, instantly we were given the stink face slash evil eye by the taco making gentleman behind the grill. Either he was an ex felon or he owed us some large amount of money. We were surprised, however, with the choices we were given. Asada, chicken, carnitas, lengua, and tripas were all on the menu. This place lacked cleanliness but made up for it with the sheer amount of choices and great smells. The staff was rude and the place seemed to lack any form of management or structure. It was like a train wreck.

The Food

The carnitas were excellent and the only reason we will ever return here again. They had a homemade taste to it and were the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. This is one taco you don't want to miss, just make sure you get it to go.

The asada had a great flavor, but it wasn't worth driving way out here for it. Maybe if you were in the area it would be fine, otherwise, you aren't missing anything

The chicken tacos were juicy and looked like they would be full of flavor. After the first tender bite, you realize that it was all show. there wasn't any flavor within a 1 mile radius of these chicken tacos.

As a side note, the salsas offered here are HOT. Be careful you don't burn a hole straight through to your colon.

Conclusion

Ugly and dirty don't even begin to describe this place. From the taco maker giving us the stinkface, to the sweaty lady handing out salsas, this place is easily a spot to avoid. Maybe we came on an off night? I would only stop here if you were in the area and had absolutely ZERO chance of being anywhere near another taco stand, or if you were feeling up for carnitas. In the interest of fairness and equality, we will definitely go back to try again, but if the service was as bad as the first time around...

Overall Grade

Tacos El Jarocho barely scrapes away a 2. Its very possible we will return sometime within a year or so, just to try the carnitas again, but we will be wary.